Tom Jackson is a clarinettist and saxophonist active in London and Europe, largely dedicated to the fields of contemporary classical music and free improvisation. He maintains an extensive and eclectic performance schedule and has performed throughout Europe, Australia and Hong Kong.

Tom has performed as principal clarinet with many orchestras including New London Sinfonia and British Sinfonietta and National Chamber Orchestra of Wales. He has worked with various contemporary chamber groups such as Apartment House, Lontano, Plus-Minus, ChampdAction, Ictus, Splinter Cell and Cardiff New Music Collective, which he co-founded. He is an active session musician, playing for albums and live shows. He has recently completed a PhD at Canterbury Christ Church University on relational aesthetics and free improvisation.

Tom is vastly experienced in teaching all ages and is regularly consulted on the publication of pedagogical material. He is currently preparing four books of etudes for clarinet and saxophone for 360 Music. He is the recording artist for Schott’s Romantic Clarinet and Klezmer Clarinet series.

Quotes

“Tom Jackson conjured a jaw-dropping array of sonic effects.” Cusp Magazine

“[Four Quartets] … a True Jewel … This is the third time I am listening to this disc in its entirety and I can’t wait to play it again. Absolutely extraordinary!” Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG

“Extraordinary performer.” Cambridge City Opera

“…monumentally sensitive chamber improv that evolves constantly as it drifts in and out of focus. Most of the time its free of fireworks, the interest instead deriving primarily from an acute sensitivity to texture. It’s group improvising at its finest, conveying a sense not only of spontaneous composition but of genuinely collective spontaneous composition.” Jazzwise

“…evidenced awareness of both Eddie Daniels and Peter Brötzmann adding precision and a raw grain at different times…” LondonJazz

“No man can listen and remain unmoved at such delicious sounds; barking, crying, hooting and issuing many a plaintive mew … raising dreadful clamours to the skies.” Ed Pinsent

“Rapt audience as Slapdash move beyond traditional rules in their wild exploration of gestural significance. Great synergy and sense of contrast between frenetic, urgent passages and music poised on the edge of shape.” Sounds New Festival 2014